Approximately 20 million endoscopies are performed in the United States each year, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Transmission of infection via endoscope is rare, but there are no recommendations for monitoring flexible endoscope reprocessing efficacy.
A recent report published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the scientific journal of the ASGE, discusses the role various technologies play in monitoring endoscope reprocessing quality.
Emerging technologies
• Microbial culture: Culturing for bacterial load
• Bioburden assays: Evaluating residual bioburden and organic matter
• Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence testing: Testing for ATP bioluminescence, which is present in microorganisms and human cells
Future research
• Establishment and validation of bioburden/microbial benchmarks
• Establishment and validation of ATP bioluminescence thresholds after reprocessing
• Assessment of cost-effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing surveillance strategies
• Large prospective studies to assess clinical and cost-effective value of various surveillance technologies
• Potentially incorporating bioburden/microbial assessments into automated endoscope reprocessors
More articles on gastroenterology:
TIF vs. traditional surgical GERD treatment: 7 things to know
Are surveillance colonoscopy practices due for an update?
5 things to know about colonoscopy payment: AGA bundle vs. Medicare model
A recent report published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the scientific journal of the ASGE, discusses the role various technologies play in monitoring endoscope reprocessing quality.
Emerging technologies
• Microbial culture: Culturing for bacterial load
• Bioburden assays: Evaluating residual bioburden and organic matter
• Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence testing: Testing for ATP bioluminescence, which is present in microorganisms and human cells
Future research
• Establishment and validation of bioburden/microbial benchmarks
• Establishment and validation of ATP bioluminescence thresholds after reprocessing
• Assessment of cost-effectiveness of endoscope reprocessing surveillance strategies
• Large prospective studies to assess clinical and cost-effective value of various surveillance technologies
• Potentially incorporating bioburden/microbial assessments into automated endoscope reprocessors
More articles on gastroenterology:
TIF vs. traditional surgical GERD treatment: 7 things to know
Are surveillance colonoscopy practices due for an update?
5 things to know about colonoscopy payment: AGA bundle vs. Medicare model